The French played far from their best rugby to triumph in perfect conditions at Stadio Olimpico, running through the softest defence Italy have mounted so far this season to score four tries and collect a potentially valuable bonus point.
Powerful centre Gael Fickou and winger Virimi Vakatawa scored a try each for France, with team mates Louis Picamoles and Brice Dulin also crossing the chalk. Flyhalf Camille Lopez was flawless with the boot, amassing 20 points off the tee.
For Italy, captain Sergio Parisse scored in the third minute and Angelo Esposito on the final siren, but their downfall lay in defence and the scrum. Italy missed more than 50 tackles.
France will be hoping for Scotland to snap England’s 17-match winning streak later on Saturday at Twickenham to retain at least a mathematical chance of lifting the trophy.
(Reporting by Mark Bendeich; Editing by Rex Gowar)
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